Raheem Sterling did not feature on the opening day of the season for the first time since 2012 as he was left out of Chelsea’s matchday squad that faced Manchester City.
The 2-0 loss to City was Enzo Maresca’s first game in charge of the club but the big talking point pre-game was his failure to include Sterling in his squad.
Even before kick-off there was a stinging response from his representatives insisting that he was committed to seeing the remaining three-years of his contract.
The statement, issued to the Daily Mail, read: “Raheem Sterling is contracted to Chelsea Football Club for the next three years…he is committed, as ever, to delivering at the highest level for Chelsea FC…given his inclusion in official club pre-match material this week, our expectation was that Raheem would be involved in this weekend’s fixture in some capacity.
“As a camp, we have always had positive dialogue with, and assurance from, Chelsea FC in relation to Raheem’s future at the Club, so we look forward to gaining clarity on the situation.”
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‘Frustrated’ Raheem Sterling considering his options at Chelsea
HITC has been told by sources close to Sterling’s camp that the player has been left ‘hugely frustrated’ and ‘shocked’ by the turn of events which saw him left out of the squad to face his former club City and he is now ‘considering his options’.
Sterling has previously been involved in all six of Chelsea’s pre-season games, but he found himself not needed on Sunday. The first time in 12-years he was not involved on the opening day of a Premier League season.
Sterling’s future at Chelsea has been in some doubt for much of this year, as HITC exclusively revealed that the club’s hierarchy decided that the former England winger was not part of their long-term plans.
Sterling’s camp have always insisted that he wanted to stay, despite knowing he was being offered to clubs around the world and the basic fact that Chelsea’s hierarchy want to sell him.
Saudi Pro League remain keen on Sterling
HITC can reveal that the Saudi Pro-League, who first had conversations about Sterling early in the new year, remain interested in the 29-year-old and sources have confirmed that a deal remains on the table should he decide that he would be willing to move to the Middle East.
Sterling, though, has shown little desire in moving to Saudi, whilst interest from Major League Soccer was also brushed away, although a future move to America is believed to be something that does appeal to the ex-Liverpool winger.
HITC understands that Chelsea are working on trying to move Sterling on this month. The likes of Bayern Munich and Juventus have been spoken to, but the size of Sterling’s deal makes a move difficult although it is believed Chelsea have indicated they would consider covering a considerable chunk of his wages.
Sterling’s contract does mean that a permanent move, barring a move to Saudi, is highly unlikely. It remains to be seen if Sterling could be tempted to leave on-loan but we are told he is now considering his options.
HITC understands that Crystal Palace and West Ham United both previously showed some interest in Sterling earlier in the summer.
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